An ILS to minimums: The perfect birthday gift from Mother Nature!

beestforwardspeed

beestforwardspeed

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CoopAir
For a long time, I had always wanted to say that I’ve flown an ILS to 200 and 1/2 on my B-Day.

Since May 22nd is late enough in the year where ice is no longer a concern, but early enough that you still have organized frontal systems and lows passing through as well as before t-storms become a regular event---at least usually, I figured it was only a matter of time before I had the chance.

Here is a 6 min video in Full HD (1080p) of the flight with the approach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2VgmGTZDAI

And here are some still shots from the flight:

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p... Flight with an ILS to minimums?sort=2&page=1


The plan was to fly somewhere for my B-Day with a few friends (even if it was CAVU) and get a bite to eat at one of the nicer airport restaurants. At first it looks like my hopes for even soft IMC vanished for Wed, let along anything near minimums.

But then I checked the TAF for ACK and they were forecasting very low ceilings---even below ILS minimums for a lot of the time of Wed afternoon.

So now the plan was to fly there, try the approach and be more ready to go missed than to land. Our alternate was EWB which has a nice airport restaurant so no pressure to land at ACK certainly.

As we (myself and 2 non-pilot passengers) are driving up to BAF I’m making sure the convective activity in Western MA and NY state doesn’t affect us. Luckily it is moving well to the Northeast of BAF and will be no factor. Going to ACK will be a double bonus as not only is the best IMC there, but the most stable air so no worries about t-storms and best of all my pax are sure to have a smooth ride.


At 6:20 we depart BAF on Rwy 20. Since we are in solid VFR its pretty uneventful.

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...mums/DSCN4203_zps7d1098a0.jpg.html?sort=2&o=0


About 30 nm later off to our left we can see the nasty cells that are visible both visually and on the NEXRAD.

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...mums/DSCN4207_zpscd980e4e.jpg.html?sort=2&o=2

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...mums/DSCN4208_zps482681e7.jpg.html?sort=2&o=3


No worries as they are 30-40 nm northeast of us. Our clearance takes us to PVD and then way to the Southeast putting us over the water further than I cared to be.

As soon as I am handed off to PVD app, I ask for an amend to keep us closer in and offer 9000 as an option if that would allow us to keep a dry footprint.

Unfortunately, PVD app has no choice but to keep us on that route. A min later they are able to give us a route with a dry footprint, but it adds another 30 nm to our route and so I take it. I figure when handed off to Cape App (20 east of PVD) that I can negotiate a better route. Not even 3 minutes later, PVD comes back and clears me direct to Nantucket at 7000!!!

Yesssssss!! That worked out PERFECTLY!

I thank the controller profusely since the freq is not busy. ATC really does go out of our way to help us little guys, at least 95% of the time.

Now 50nm out, we are above a solid undercast with the almost full moon rising at out 12 O'Clock.

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...ums/DSCN4218_zps1011dc07.jpg.html?sort=2&o=10

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...mums/DSCN4215_zps6b9c49e4.jpg.html?sort=2&o=7

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...mums/GOPR0022_zps44b9b3bf.jpg.html?sort=2&o=9

I pick up the ATIS for ACK and they are reporting 200’ ceilings and 1400 RVR for ILS 24. Since that is below mins (1800 RVR) I am more ready to go missed than I am to land.

Then about 10 miles out, Cape App updates me as the RVR has now gone up to 1800’. At least I have a 50/50 shot of being able to land. At this point we are still above a nice solid OVC cloud blanket with the sun getting lower. Pretty scenic. Its amazing to think that 3000' underneath, the residence of ACK are likely complaining how dreary, damp, and foggy it is!! We might as well be on another planet!!

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...ums/DSCN4221_zps0506a019.jpg.html?sort=2&o=11

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...ums/DSCN4223_zps3ebbca65.jpg.html?sort=2&o=13

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...ums/DSCN4221_zps0506a019.jpg.html?sort=2&o=11

http://s835.photobucket.com/user/3p...ums/DSCN4223_zps3ebbca65.jpg.html?sort=2&o=13

Around this time, I ask for the full app w/the PT so I can stay within gliding distance of shore and they are more than happy to give me that. I report PT inbound as requested and am then shipped over to the tower. Tower tells me it’s still 1800’ RVR and clears me to land.

Having done 6 approaches to near minimums in the last month, I feel pretty sharp on the approach. This time since its right down to the wire, instead of glancing up every 2 sec to look, from 400’ to DH, I totally focus on the instruments and then just take a look. This way I won’t risk losing my scan at the most critical stage. Not sure if this is better or not (I’m sure it’s debatable, but it worked well for me).

When I look up at DH, the light are right under me, but off to the right since I let the LOC slide a bit more than I wanted to. At 1/3 to half deflection, it’s still within the PTS, but I’d have liked to been a bit sharper the last 30 seconds.

The landing is uneventful other than me not being used to the TDZL shining right in my eyes. I’m estimating the RVR in the 2000 to 2200’ range and a minute later when another aircraft is given his takeoff clearance, ATC calls it at 2200 ft!

Just in time to land! It was a blessing in disguise that we were running late driving to the airport as if I had been 30 min earlier, I doubt I would have been able to land.

Really a fantastic flight and the best for me and my pax since there was not even a ripple of turbulence the entire way!!
 
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Nice, job and nice video. I disagree with one thing however and that is that May 22 is late enough in the year that ice is not a concern. We had icing conditions here in PA yesterday and likely do today (may 25)as well. Pilots flying into the FlyBq at KLOM in late May have also picked up ice.
 
Nice work, and nice video. Happy Birthday!
 
AdamZ said:
Nice, job and nice video. I disagree with one thing however and that is that May 22 is late enough in the year that ice is not a concern. We had icing conditions here in PA yesterday and likely do today (may 25)as well. Pilots flying into the FlyBq at KLOM in late May have also picked up ice.
Click to expand...

Oh, I know you certainly could have icing later in the season than that, (heck, we did yesterday as the FZLVL was only 2800 for a while over southern New England), but I was just saying overwhelmingly that its above freezing at the MEA's that time of year.

But of course that depends on where you are. I'll bet in the rockies that the MEA's are high enough that icing is a regular thing, even in the height of summer in Jul and Aug!
 
Outstanding approach Coopair. Very nice timing on the minimums and happy birthday. Did you file an alternate?
 
Personally, I would much rather be not at work and not flying and hammered on my birthday, but technique only :) I guess some are gluttons for punishment
 
snoboy said:
Outstanding approach Coopair. Very nice timing on the minimums and happy birthday. Did you file an alternate?
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Thanks for the B-day wishes! Yes, EWB was our filed alternate. Not only an ILS and away from the water (fog) but a kick butt restaurant 100 ft from the plane!


35 AoA said:
Personally, I would much rather be not at work and not flying and hammered on my birthday, but technique only :) I guess some are gluttons for punishment
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Well, that's exactly why I had a 2nd B-day celebration at Margaritas on Saturday night so I could enjoy a few cocktails along with some fajitas:lol::lol:
 
Fun to watch.

Do you have any personal concerns about the overwater portion in a single with known 200' ceilings at the bottom in the event of an engine-out?
 
denverpilot said:
Fun to watch.

Do you have any personal concerns about the overwater portion in a single with known 200' ceilings at the bottom in the event of an engine-out?
Click to expand...

Actually, we were always within gliding distance of land as I made sure that the flight could be completed that way.

That was also the reason I asked for the full ILS so I could keep the PT in tight to stay close to shore.

Otherwise, yea, I would not have wanted to fly SE over water in LIFR, especially when the water temp is less than 70

Wouldnt want to fly over rugged terrain either at night or in IMC and not just the Rockies or Sierras, even the App mtns out east, But thats just me, I certainly wouldnt call someone out as reckless or dangerous for doing that. I just wouldnt want to personally.
 
denverpilot said:
Fun to watch.

Do you have any personal concerns about the overwater portion in a single with known 200' ceilings at the bottom in the event of an engine-out?
Click to expand...

Better than being over land with a 200' overcast in the event of an engine-out. Exception if the water is cold, which it was.
 
Another ILS to near minimums video

Here is another video I shot (a bit on the long side--13 min) with ATC comm flying 2 ILS's back-to-back to near minimums at GON a few weeks ago.

Not quite as low as the one at ACK, but still right down to the wire. Had about 3000 RVR for this one and a 200' ceiling still.

(Set to 720p for best image quality)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0SP2...ature=youtu.be

Unlike the ACK flight, Mother Nature's scenery is a lot better in this video. Instead of a dull status undercast, I had "quilted" like stratocumulus tops a bit on the ragged side just as the sun was getting low.
 
Definitely thick soup when at 5:00 of the video, you can't see the image of the prop anymore.

To me, flying an ILS like this is one of the magic things about aviation. You trust the system that there is a runway where it's supposed to be. You fly the approach as published through the thick and dark, and sho nuff, there be that lovely strip of pavement right off your nose.

Good video!
 
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AggieMike88 said:
Definitely thick soup when at 5:00 of the video, you can't see the image of the prop anymore.

To me, flying an ILS like this is one of the magic things about aviation. You trust the system that there is a runway where it's supposed to be. You fly the approach as published through the thick and dark, and sho nuff, there be that lovely strip of pavement right off your nose.

Good video!
Click to expand...

That is the 2nd best think about IMC:lol:

The #1 thing is launching into LIFR when its drizzly and gloomy and 10 min later breaking out on top of everything and being glad you remembered to bring your polarized sunglasses!! Its like you are just cut-off from the world. The colors when skimming a solid undercast (especially around sunset) or between layers remind me of what It is likely like to drop into Saturn's Atmosphere---without the rings of course!

Many other pilots seem to find aerobatics and backcountry bush flying as the ultimate experience in aviation. I can certainly see why and can relate, but for me, IMC is my favorite hands down.

I'd love to do those other things of course someday though.
 
Just got a chance to see the video. NOOOO way, what that a 200' breakout!
 
KACK 222253Z 21007KT 1/4SM R24/1400FT FG VV002 14/13 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP138
T01440133


Looks like he was right at minimums. I'd guess he could see a little bit better than it appears in the video.
 
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I did see a flash, right after he called "100 to minimums"
 
Coop- Care to share a little about your flight experience?

How long you been flying, how long you had your IR? How often do you do approaches like this, etc?
 
I agree with what some others have said. To me, the most satisfying flights are walking to the airplane in drizzle/pouring rain/mins wx for takeoff, punching out a minute later on top, flying my face off in the sunshine, and then shooting an approach to break out in the same gloom. I don't know why, maybe it is because I'm from the PNW, but it is something along the lines of taking my M3 out of the garage, driving through horrible weather, and then putting it away back inside and maybe turning a wrench or two. Very different acts, but similar sense of accomplishment. Weird I know
 
dell30rb said:
KACK 222253Z 21007KT 1/4SM R24/1400FT FG VV002 14/13 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP138
T01440133


Looks like he was right at minimums. I'd guess he could see a little bit better than it appears in the video.
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He also had enough required runway environment items, even on the video, to come down another 100', I believe. I'd have to go re-watch the end, but looked legit to me. Just low. I counted three.
 
dell30rb said:
KACK 222253Z 21007KT 1/4SM R24/1400FT FG VV002 14/13 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP138
T01440133


Looks like he was right at minimums. I'd guess he could see a little bit better than it appears in the video.
Click to expand...

Where did you pull historical Wx data
 
dell30rb said:
Better than being over land with a 200' overcast in the event of an engine-out. Exception if the water is cold, which it was.
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Ha its always cold up in the cape and islands.

beestforwardspeed said:
Here is another video I shot (a bit on the long side--13 min) with ATC comm flying 2 ILS's back-to-back to near minimums at GON a few weeks ago.

Not quite as low as the one at ACK, but still right down to the wire. Had about 3000 RVR for this one and a 200' ceiling still.

(Set to 720p for best image quality)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0SP2...ature=youtu.be

Unlike the ACK flight, Mother Nature's scenery is a lot better in this video. Instead of a dull status undercast, I had "quilted" like stratocumulus tops a bit on the ragged side just as the sun was getting low.
Click to expand...

link says video does not exist.
 
AggieMike88 said:
To me, flying an ILS like this is one of the magic things about aviation. You trust the system that there is a runway where it's supposed to be. You fly the approach as published through the thick and dark, and sho nuff, there be that lovely strip of pavement right off your nose.
Click to expand...

After a two-hour IMC flight with my son, followed by an ILS approach, at breakout he said, "We're really lucky to be able to fly like this!"

I couldn't agree more.

Well done on the video. And happy birthday!
 
dell30rb said:
KACK 222253Z 21007KT 1/4SM R24/1400FT FG VV002 14/13 A2994 RMK AO2 SLP138
T01440133


Looks like he was right at minimums. I'd guess he could see a little bit better than it appears in the video.
Click to expand...

That METAR was about 1 hr old when I shot the approach.

METAR KACK 222353Z 20008KT 1/4SM R24/2400V2600FT FG VV002 14/13 A2994

Yes, the human eye is a lot better at picking up light than even the best video cameras (unless its an infrared one in the dark of course!)
 
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Got the historic data from www.wunderground.com



Jaybird180 said:
Coop- Care to share a little about your flight experience?

How long you been flying, how long you had your IR? How often do you do approaches like this, etc?
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Have almost 600 hrs total time. Got my PP in Aug of 2008 and my IR exactly two months later. I try to go out and practice whenever we have safe IMC (high enough Freezing level and no convection) to stay sharp. I usually log a few approaches a month and maybe one of those to near mins, but it varies widely.

2 weeks after that (11-8-08), I did my first ILS to minimums while acting as PIC (well, technically broke out 50' above mins) into PWM.

http://forums.aopa.org/showthread.php?t=48908

My heart was pumping like crazy on that one, but in hindsight I was sharper and better then than now having just practiced so much for my IR checkride.


AdamZ said:
link says video does not exist.
Click to expand...

Try this link. Let me know..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0SP2rUIjaw&feature=youtu.be
 
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Flying to the bottom of an approach is what it is all about. Regularly practicing full approaches (including the full missed procedure) is vital IMHO. It's also one hell uv a lot of fun!! Nice job.
 
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